Ali Hanapiah, Nasuha Najwa and Sidek, Suriati
(2018)
Body image perceptions and weight loss behavior among young adults.
International Journal of Allied Health Sciences, 2 (3).
pp. 426-434.
E-ISSN 2600-8491
Abstract
Introduction: University students tend to be more concerned on their body image and body shape
concerns because of the surrounding The present study was conducted among undergraduate students at
the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) Kuantan with the aim to identify the body image
perceptions, body shape concerns and weight loss behaviors. Methods: A total of 135 participants
comprising of 50 male and 85 female undergraduate students were recruited from six Kulliyyah in IIUM
Kuantan. The Contour Drawing Rating Scale, Body Shape Questionnaire (BSQ-16) and Weight Loss
Behavior Scales (WLBS) were used as assessment tools. Results: The result showed 73.3% of students had
normal BMI status, 6.7% were underweight and the remaining were overweight or obese. More than 50%
of the participants were somewhat concern about their body shape. In addition, more than half of the
participants (54.8%) were dissatisfied with their body image and had desired to be thinner. The most
preferred weight loss behavior among the participants was exercise compared to other weight loss
approaches. The result shows that concerns to dieting and weight have a significant association with BMI
status. Meanwhile, body shape concerns are found to be significantly associated with concern to dieting
and weight, as well as avoidance of fatty and sweet foods. However, there was no association between
body shape concerns and exercise. Conclusion: Based on the findings, more tailored intervention
programs that lead to healthy body image and weight loss behavior are needed among young adults.
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